What happens if there is an emergency and you can't make it to our wedding?
In over 20 years that has never happened, but it is my biggest fear too.
Grapevine has represented many DJs over the years, and several still work occasionally for Grapevine - This happened quite a bit in 2020 due to Covid 19. Grapevine was able to cover many weddings that were postponed that lost their DJ due to illness or being unavailable on the new date.
In addition, we are friendly with all of our competition and we have their numbers just in case. They would be more than willing to cover an event in the case of an emergency, and we would be happy to do the same for them. Here is a web page with our emergency DJ contacts
Can we change our start and/or end time?
Yes. At the final consultation I will ask you about the start and end times realizing
they have probably changed since contract signing.
Do you charge for setting up, tearing down or are there any charges that we might
not know about?
No. The contract states all charges and there are no hidden fees. I setup before
guests arrive and start playing music as guests arrive.
Do you help with planning?
Absolutely! I spend more time on the pre-planning (with and without you) and
organizing than we do playing music. I will walk you through each step of the
reception and assist in helping you create a time-line and a detailed agenda that will
create a smooth flow. I will assist with music selections, personalizing the introductions
and offering creative ideas to make your party even more memorable.
Do you make announcements?
Yes I will direct your guests attention to the formalities throughout the night and give
notice before hand so that nobody misses any of the important moments.
I will not be doing any "Shout outs", "Raise your hands in the air!", "Wassup party
people?!" etc.
Do you need Wi-Fi?
No, all of my music is on a hard drive with a backup - This ensures there will be no interuptions or gaps in the music. My music collection is updated every week using several subscription services that provide clean radio friendly edits.
What makes you different?
Grapevine is one of the few full time DJ companies in Indiana and one of the most recommended DJ companies in the Indianapolis area. I provide entertainment that is fully customizable to the desires and wishes of my clients. To me, there is no set way of doing things. Music choices, the level of formality, interaction (if any) are fully personalized to your signature style.
When should I book my date?
There is really no set answer to this question. Many factors affect my availability, such as event date, time of the event (afternoon or evening), and on what day of the week your event falls. The general rule is - the sooner the better. At times, I'll book events as far as two years in advance with weddings generally booked anywhere from 6 months to 18 months in advance. At other times, you may be able to book with much less notice, however I don't recommend waiting too long. The further in advance you attempt to book your event, the more likely I'll be available
We don't want a "cheesy" DJ.
While that's not a question, it's a comment we hear often.
I want your reception to be exactly as you envision it. You have total control of the level of interaction and the music that you would like played, as well as the music you do not want played. Be assured that I will never place the "spotlight" on myself, and will never force anyone to dance who does not want to. My desire is to create the atmosphere that reflects your personality and tastes.
How do you transition (mix) between songs?
I prefer to seamlessly mix songs, matching the beat of the first song to the second song so that you can hardly tell where one song stops and the other begins - In other words, beat-mixing. Other times I will do a simple cross fade, brake effect or echo out of one song into the next. Never is there any "dead air" between songs. I have a few samples of my mixing on my Sound Cloud page that you can check out.
What is the difference between dance floor lighting and up lighting?
Up lighting is a popular lighting effect created by placing lighting fixtures around the perimeter walls and/or columns of a space, pointing them up, and creating a pillar effect of light. The lights can also highlight architectural details or points of interest. Up lighting is a very effective way to dramatically improve the ambience of an event space. Done properly, it gives a sense of depth and background to your photos and videography. Up lighting will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to your decor. The most popular colors for uplighting include
Amber | Candlelight | Soft white | Blush Pink | Moonlight Blue | Gold | Peach | Custom color | Video
My wireless up lighting can also change colors to the beat of the music when the dancing starts
Dance floor lighting is colorful, changing lights washing over the dance floor area that creates a visual effect that helps get people in the mood and dramatically enhances the energy.
Do you have backup equipment?
Yes I carry backup music hardrives and a complete sound system.
How do I hold my date and "book" with Grapevine?
To permanently hold or "book" a performance date, a client must sign and return an Entertainment Contract to Grapevine. A deposit, in the amount indicated on the contract must accompany the contract. This written agreement details all of the pertinent information regarding the event. Contracts can be sent by mail or immediately delivered in e-mailed .pdf form.
When is the final balance due?
Affair balances can be paid by cash, credit card, Zelle, Venmo or personal check any time up to 14 days prior to the event date. I will also accommodate any clients who prefer to make several payments over the time period leading up to their event. In this case, I'll credit your account balance for any payments received and issue you a receipt for such payments.
Do you take breaks?
Plainly and simply - No. whether your party is for 3, 4, 5, 6 or more hours, I am prepared to entertain you and your guests, without any delays, interruptions or breaks. Grapevine also has a strict no drinking or smoking policy.
Should we feed you?
No need - I eat before we arrive. While you and your guests are enjoying your meal, I will be working: Selecting a variety of music for dinner, upcoming events and for dancing. I will also be coordinating with the banquet staff and your other vendors. I will stay available to make any announcements and to take requests, etc. If I am also providing service for the wedding ceremony, a meal would be appreciated.
What is your dress policy?
Unless otherwise asked by the client, I wear a full black tuxedo or suit, your choice.
What kinds of music do you play?
What ever you request (almost)! Grapevine plays all types of music, from the Big Band era of the 30s & 40s to the hottest tunes of today - including country, Motown, disco, rock, Top 40 dance, ethnic, R & B.. hip-hop/rap and the list goes on from there. If you are looking for Hard core rap, Thrash metal, House/Rave music - I'm probably not the right guy for you.
How is the music selected?
Music selection is usually based on three factors. First, you have the opportunity to tell me what you want to hear and if there is anything that you don't want to hear. This gives me the overall framework for the event. From there, your guests' requests help determine some of the music selection. Lastly, I'll rely on experience to fill in the event's play list, based on the crowd's reactions and responses throughout the event. Watch this video to see how to use our music database to create your custom song request list.
Do you take requests?
Yes - In addition to our clients' pre-planned request lists, I welcome direct requests from our clients and their guests throughout the event. I'll attempt to play as many requests as possible, as long as they fall within the clients' guidelines and are appropriate for the event and guests attending.
How many songs will be played?
This varies, since song and event lengths vary. The average song is 3 ½ minutes in length. That translates into 17 songs per hour, 68 songs in four hours and 85 songs in five hours.
When do we go through all of the details?
Final planning is generally handled 2-3 weeks prior to the event date.
When does Grapevine arrive at the event?
Typically, I arrive at least 1-2 hours prior to the start time of the event.
Do you have insurance?
Yes. Liability insurance is through R.V. Nuccio & Associates, Inc. and you and/or your venue are welcome to a copy.